Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what criteria she plans to include in the national funding formula for schools; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Sam Gyimah, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Childcare and Education: The government is committed to delivering our manifesto pledge to make school funding fairer. It was announced at the Spending Review that we intend to introduce a National Funding Formula for schools, high needs and early years in 2017. We will set out our detailed plans for a National Funding Formula, including the criteria to be included in the formula for schools, in the New Year and will consult on our proposals extensively.